The engineering company is investing more than £10 million in the site at the Jebel Ali Free Zone (Jafza) on the outskirts of Dubai as part of a growth drive in the region.

Around 300 people will be based there when the 25,000 square metre facility is fully operational.

Keith Cochrane, chief executive, said: "Weir's new Middle East headquarters brings together for the first time, our three market-focused divisions on one campus, enabling us to further develop our full capability in an important region for the group.

"We believe that the Middle East has strong growth prospects and the group's operations and expertise leave us well positioned to benefit."

Lena Wilson, chief executive of Scottish Enterprise, said: "Weir is exactly the type of ambitious forward-thinking company we want to work with and this new expansion is testament to the drive and commitment the company continually demonstrates."

Ibrahim Mohamed Al Janahi, chief commercial officer of Jafza, said: "With the energy industry poised for growth, Weir is advantageously placed to meet their customer's requirements quickly and efficiently from their new base.

"We are confident that the organisation will capitalise on the opportunities and enormous growth potential of the Middle East and neighbouring markets and we extend our complete support to them in their efforts."